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“Eventually I want to open my own barber’s shop, so that’s why I wanted to learn everything, from the top to the bottom.”

Customers at the salon do a double take when they walk in and see Ryan handling scissors and clippers instead of a ball.

He said: “It is a bit surreal for Warrington fans when they come in and see me sweeping the floors - they don’t believe it’s me at first.”

And he insists cutting hair has helped improve his form after an impressive season for Warrington which as seen them narrowly beaten in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley and win the league Leaders shield at the end of the regular Super league season.

Warrington Wolves' Ryan Atkins in action on the pitch (Image: PA)

On saturday he hopes to become a history maker, helping Warrington lift their first ever Super League title at Old Trafford.

He said: “Now I’m training to be a barber, I am much more relaxed and feel happier and bubblier. It takes my mind off rugby.

“I have always enjoyed going to the hairdressers and have had some wild hairstyles in the past.

"I’ve got a real passion for it and just love the environment of a barber’s shop and chatting to all the customers.”